From the UK’s only dedicated grower of redwood trees – a
The three redwood subfamilies are Sequoia from coastal California and Oregon, Sequoiadendron from California’s Sierra Nevada, and Metasequoia in China.
The redwood species contains the largest and tallest trees in the world. These trees can live for thousands of years.
Only two of the genera, Sequoia and Sequoiadendron, are known for massive trees. Trees of Metasequoia, from the single living species Metasequoia glyptostroboides, by comparison are much smaller.
Each species has it’s own cultural requirements.
Coast Redwood Tree
The oldest and tallest trees in the world! The Californian evergreen redwood aka Coast Redwood aka Californian Redwood – the Sequoia sempervirens is a fast-growing, very large evergreen (where the Metasequoia is deciduous) tree forming a narrowly conical crown, with fibrous, red-brown bark.
Originally from the West coast of the USA, the Coast Redwood is in popular cultivation across the UK and Europe. As if being the tallest and oldest tree on the plant, the Coast Redwood has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
This tree can tolerate wet conditions, however they can be tender when young – protect from hard frosts until established.
Sequoia sempervirens – Coast Redwood, holds several remarkable records:
- Tallest Tree: Coast Redwoods are renowned for being the tallest trees on Earth. The current record-holder for the tallest living tree is “Hyperion,” standing at an astonishing height of approximately 379 feet (116 meters). However, new discoveries may lead to the identification of even taller specimens.
- Largest Living Organism: The Coast Redwood forests form one of the largest living organisms on the planet due to their interconnected root systems, known as “clones.” These clones cover extensive areas and consist of genetically identical trees sharing a common root system.
- Oldest Tree: While not the oldest species, some individual Coast Redwoods have lived for over 2,200 years, making them some of the longest-living trees on Earth.
- Largest Groves: The Coast Redwood forests in California, particularly in areas like Redwood National and State Parks, host some of the most extensive and iconic groves of these majestic trees, creating awe-inspiring landscapes.
- Fastest Growth Rate: Coast Redwoods exhibit impressive growth rates, with young trees adding significant height each year. This rapid growth contributes to their towering stature.
- Carbon Sequestration: Due to their massive size and long lifespan, Coast Redwoods are effective carbon sinks, sequestering substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, making them valuable assets in combating climate change.
- Sequoia sempervirens has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Size and spread (10 years): 12m
Soil conditions: Grows in almost any soil in temperate climates.
Planting instructions: Requires a lot of space
Mature height: 50m
The giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), also known as giant redwood, Sierra redwood, Sierran redwood, or Wellingtonia, is an endangered species listed by the IUCN, with fewer than 80,000 trees remaining in their natural habitat.
This evergreen conifer, originally from America, features Leylandii-like leaves and enjoys wide cultivation worldwide, particularly in the UK and Europe. Its outstanding qualities have earned it the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Notably, the UK boasts a magnificent avenue of 218 giant sequoias planted in 1865 near Camberley, Surrey.
Sadly, global warming contributes to significant losses of these trees in their native habitats. To ensure the giant sequoia’s survival, we encourage you to purchase one of our Giant Redwood trees and cultivate it. Additionally, we offer seeds for sale, allowing you to grow your very own giant sequoia and contribute to conservation efforts.
Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the giant sequoia, holds several impressive records:
- Largest Trees: Giant sequoias are among the largest living organisms on Earth, with some specimens reaching astounding heights of over 300 feet (91 meters) or more.
- Oldest Trees: While not as old as the bristlecone pine, giant sequoias are still some of the oldest trees on the planet, with some individuals estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
- Largest Volume: In terms of sheer volume, the giant sequoia is unparalleled. Its massive trunks and thick branches contribute to its impressive girth and immense overall size.
- Largest Tree by Volume: The “General Sherman” tree, located in California’s Sequoia National Park, holds the title of the largest tree by volume. It boasts a volume of approximately 52,500 cubic feet (1,487 cubic meters).
- Largest Tree by Circumference: The “General Grant” tree, found in Kings Canyon National Park, California, is known as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” and holds the title of the second-largest tree by volume, but it has the largest base circumference of approximately 107 feet (32.6 meters).
- Largest Grove: The Giant Forest, situated in Sequoia National Park, contains a significant concentration of giant sequoias and is one of the most iconic and extensive groves of these majestic trees.
Soil conditions: Requires deep soils but will grow on deep soils over chalk.
Planting instructions: Prefers moist, damp, foggy atmospheres. Needs lots of space!
Size and spread (10 years): 2m to 3m
Mature height: 100m (in wild) 30m (in gardens).
Dawn Redwood Trees
Metasequoia, or dawn redwoods, is a genus of fast-growing deciduous trees, one of three species of conifers known as redwoods. A native of China, however it is in wide cultivation around the world with lots of interesting cultivars such as “Golden Oji” and “Snow Flurries”.
Certain cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Dawn redwoods are fast-growing trees, although the shortest of the redwoods, it grows to at least 165 feet (50 meters) in height.
Flat sprays of narrow, pale green leaves that turn brownish-pink and yellow in autumn. We also have seeds for sale so you can grow your own.
Size and spread (10 years): 4m
Soil conditions: Best in moist well drained soils.
Planting instructions: Requires a lot of space
Mature height: 19m
1x Coast Redwood, approx 40-60cm tall (aka Californian Redwood)
1x Dawn Redwood, approx 40-60cm tall
1x Giant Redwood, approx 20cm tall (aka Wellingtonia)
All three supplied, well rooted in 9cm pots.
While redwoods are hardy, young trees may benefit from protection against severe frost in their first few winters. Cover the base of the tree with mulch and wrap the trunk with tree wrap or burlap if frost is anticipated. Even better, consider keeping them in pots for a few years so you can bring them under protection if the weather is forecast to be very cold.
🇬🇧 All UK Grown
There are no reviews yet.